4 kg in ~10 years in UKPDS), which is proportional to the patient's caloric intake and reduction of glycosuria, that is, storing the calories that otherwise would be excreted with the urine when they are hyperglycemic Stanley Schwartz, MD, FACP, FACE, shares his views on early insulin initiation. Insulin is the most effective agent available for lowering glycemia. If given in appropriate doses, insulin may decrease any elevated HbA1c to, or close to, the therapeutic goal.

This was completely successful, not only in having no obvious side-effects, but in completely eliminating the glycosuria sign of diabetes. Insulin. It's a bloody brilliant invention. Where on earth would we diabetics be without it eh? Stuck in the middle ages most likely, on our death beds through DKA. But we owe this wonderful invention to three men: Frederick G Banting, Charles H Best and J J R Macleod. And today, insulin is 88 years old.